Many parents face
uncertainty when they find out their child has reduced vision. It is important
to find the right information to make the best decisions for your child.

While reduced sight may
have some impact on the way your child navigates the world, it does not have to
impact on your child’s quality of life.Your child can do the things sighted peers can do; they may just need
some modifications in the way they
do them.

Children usually learn
how to crawl, walk and general physical movements by watching those around them.
So it is even more vital that children who are blind or partially sighted have
enhanced opportunities to explore, practice movement and be active.

Physical Activity

Whether your child was
born with reduced sight or experienced sight loss later, physical activity is
still a vital element of a healthy lifestyle.

Regular physical activity provides children with a number
of benefits; including better health, physical strength, and the opportunity to
learn how to interact with peers.

Physical activity in
conjunction with proper nutrition, appropriate rest, strong family supports and
a peer network will lessen any limiting impacts reduced sight may create.

Physical activity can
take in a wide range of activities from walking to competitive sport.Children with reduced sight can play in a
playground, swim, bowl, run or play with friends.

Often sports and
physical activities can be modified to allow the child with reduced sight to actively
participate. Modifications range from simple changes like using a brightly
coloured ball to simplifying a task or activity.

Your child can learn
many of the skills associated with any sport or may choose alternate sporting
activities.

Refer to Modules 2 &
3 for ideas on physical activities and sports.

Be Part of the Team

Parents of school-age
children may have the opportunity to work with a team (educators, resource
teachers, coaches, etc.) to create a physical activity plan that meets your
child’s needs.Preschool programs can
also benefit from a team approach to create an inclusive experience.

Provide information about
your child’s needs and some ideas for creating a positive experience to those
working with your child.Most will welcome
your support in building an inclusive program for your child.

This is also a great
opportunity to empower your child by teaching ways to advocate in a positive
and healthy manner.

Support

Look for resources to
support your child to be physically active:

·Medical specialists

·Teachers

·Coaches

·Sport organizations

·Service providers

·Sport modification materials

·Financial assistance

Contact SBSA for
information.

For more
information on sight and sight conditions, contact your local optometrist,
ophthalmologist or CNIB.

Did you know?

The correct language is “people who are blind” or “people
who are partially sighted”

People who are blind or partially sighted can be and should be as physically active as their sighted counterparts

There
are specific sight classifications for athletes who are blind or partially
sighted:

B1 -
From no light perception in either eye to light perception, but inability to
recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction

B2 -
From ability to recognize the shape of a hand to a visual acuity of 2/60 and/or
visual field of less than 5 degrees

B3 -
From visual acuity above 2/60 to visual acuity of 6/60 and/or visual field of
more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees.

Mission

The purpose of SBSA is to promote and
facilitate sport opportunities towards excellence for persons who are blind or
partially sighted, by delivering sport programs, creating awareness, and
advocating for sport inclusion.